The Tourism Minister George Vella and the Minister for Gozo Dr Anton Refalo, have visited Ta’ Passi fields in Ghajnsielem to see the Nativity Village which will host the 5th edition of Bethlehem f’Ghajnsielem 2013.
The Nativity Village, will this year, be built on a slightly smaller scale compared to two years ago, however it will be offering many new things including religious narratives of the Christmas story for children The main attraction will be, as always, the grotto with Mary, Joseph, and the baby Jesus.
The nativity village will be animated by 150 live actors during certain days. Point of interests will include the carpenter and blacksmith houses, the bakery, among others.
The Minister for Tourism George Vella together with the Minister for Gozo, Dr. Anton Refalo were accompanied on the visit by among others the Chairman of the Malta Tourism Authority Dr Gavin Gulia, CEO Josef Formosa Gauci and Dr Joe Mifsud.
The Tourism Minister expressed his satisfaction that once again this event is taking place, stressing the importance of continuing to strengthen this new niche tourism aimed at the Maltese tourism product, especially in the winter months. During December this attraction will attract thousands of tourists to Gozo to benefit from the unique tradition of the Maltese Christmas celebrations, he said.
George Vella added that the Malta Tourism Authority is contributing financially in this project to ensure that this tourist attraction could again take place. Moreover, he said that this year the Authority is also promoting this activity in other European countries.
The Minister for Gozo stressed the importance of this event which draws thousands of people to Gozo during the months where domestic tourism in Gozo is slow.
He gave thanks to all those involved in the setting up of the Nativity Village, including the Ghajsielem Local Council.
As in past editions, visitors will also be able to taste a selection of traditional Maltese fare, which will be cooked on site.
The 5th edition of Bethlehem f’Ghajnsielem 2013 will be officially inaugurated at 4.15pm, on Saturday, the 14th of December by Prime Minister Dr Joseph Muscat, along with the Bishop of Gozo, Mgr Mario Grech.
Bethlehem f’Ghajnsielem has featured [1] in Essential Travel’s top 10 Christmas Displays in the World.
The fifth edition of Bethlehem f’Ghajnsielem opens on Saturday, the 14th of December and remains open until Sunday, the 5th of January 2014
The nativity village will only be animated on the following days:
DECEMBER 2013
Saturday 14th 4.30pm – 9.00pm
Sunday 15th 2.00pm – 7.30pm
Monday 16th* 9.30am – 1.30pm*
Thursday 19th* 9.30am – 1.30pm*
Saturday 21st 4.30pm – 8.30pm
Sunday 22nd 2.00pm – 7.30pm
Wednesday 25th 2.30pm – 8.30pm
Thursday 26th 4.30pm – 7.30pm
Friday 27th 4.30pm – 7.30pm
Saturday 28th 4.30pm – 8.30pm
Sunday 29th 2.00pm – 7.30pm
JANUARY 2014
Wednesday 1st 2.30pm – 8.00pm
Saturday 4th 4.30pm – 8.00pm
Sunday 5th** 2.00pm – 8.00pm**
Above schedule is not final and is subject to change without notice. Should the weather not permit, the organisers reserve the right to cancel the animation
* On 16th and 19th December, Bethlehem f’Ghajnsielem will open two special sessions in the morning for the school children and the elderly where the nativity village will also be animated by the children. Everyone is welcome!
** The Nativity village will close with the Adoration of the Magi on Epiphany, Sunday, the 5th of January 2013. The ‘Three Kings’ will depart from a yet-to-be-announced location and cross to Gozo by ferry before making the triumphal entrance to the nativity village late in the afternoon. More details will be announced soon.
Public transportation is encouraged when travelling to Bethlehem f’Ghajnsielem. Visitors can choose either to leave their car at Cirkewwa Terminal and walk up to the crib from Mgarr Harbour or park their car in the Ghajnsielem centre and walk down to the entrance. Parking is also available at Ghajnsielem F.C. football grounds.
Organised tours are welcome. Please contact Local Council Office on 21561515
Entrance is FREE. No bookings are required.